Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Acid Attack Survivors Face Long Delays for Justice
Shaheen Malik was attacked with acid in 2009 and has been fighting for justice ever since.
She has had 25 surgeries but is still waiting for her case to be resolved.
The courts have been very slow, and sometimes the people who do these bad things are let go because of poor investigations.
The law has been changed to make punishments stricter, but many survivors still face long waits for justice and help.
Shaheen is hoping that her case will make things better for other survivors.
Shaheen Malik was attacked with acid in 2009 and has undergone 25 reconstructive surgeries.
Her case has faced long delays, with the accused being acquitted in 2025 due to lack of evidence.
Malik has challenged the acquittal in the Delhi High Court and approached the Supreme Court for justice and systemic reforms.
Legal reforms in 2013 introduced stricter punishments and compensation for acid attack survivors, but delays and acquittals continue.
Systemic issues like poor police investigations, overburdened courts, and influential accused contribute to the delays in justice.
- Who
- Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor, and other victims of similar attacks.
- What
- Long delays in justice and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors.
- When
- The attack on Shaheen Malik occurred in 2009, and her case is still ongoing.
- Where
- The attack took place in Panipat, Haryana, and legal proceedings have been in Delhi.
- Why
- Due to systemic issues in the criminal justice system, including poor investigations, delays in trials, and lack of proper compensation mechanisms.
- Victim
- Shaheen Malik
- Year of Attack
- 2009
- Location of Attack
- Panipat, Haryana
- Number of Surgeries
- 25
- Compensation Received
- 2018, after 9 years
- Legal Reforms Year
- 2013
- Minimum Imprisonment for Acid Attacks
- 10 years
- Minimum Compensation for Survivors
- Rs 3 lakh